By Special to the Daily WorldTo help with the Atlanta Department of Fire Rescue’s effort to replace recently recalled smoke detectors, Wells Fargo Insurance Services in partnership with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company donated $12,000 to purchase approximately 1,500 smoke detectors for Atlanta residents.

“The Atlanta Department of Fire Rescue is grateful for this generous donation as it will help support our efforts to replace the smoke detectors as quickly as possible to protect the communities we serve,” said Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran.

Atlanta Department of Fire Rescue officials, firefighters and executives from Wells Fargo and Fireman’s Fund came together for a special event where the grant was presented. Shortly after the event, firefighters began replacing smoke detectors in the neighborhood, with assistance from Wells Fargo Insurance Services representatives. The event was held Saturday, June 4 at the Atlanta Department of Fire Rescue Station 2 – Med Com 2, at 1568 Jonesboro Rd., S.E.

“Wells Fargo is proud to be the first corporate donor to help Atlanta’s Department of Fire Rescue replace the smoke detectors to help protect residents of Atlanta,” said Paul Lazar, senior vice president at Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Inc.

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,700 different organizations totaling more than $27 million. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Wells Fargo Insurance Services, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.